‘Entertainers, role models must be drug-free’

MANILA, Philippines—Entertainers and other popular role models should be drug-free, said the head of the country’s anti-illegal drugs agency, echoing the sentiments of President Benigno Aquino III when he struck multiawarded actress Nora Aunor from the list of national artists.

Arturo Cacdac, director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), on Friday reminded popular personalities who are looked up to as role models to stay away from illegal drugs.

Aunor had previously been held on drug charges in the United States.

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“There is a need for greater professionalism and responsibility for persons who are under constant public scrutiny and are looked up to as positive role models. That is why they should take it upon themselves not to be hooked or involved in illegal drugs, or anything else for that matter, because it sends a wrong impression to their followers,” Cacdac said in a statement.

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